New research from University College London estimates that smoking can cost up to 22 minutes of life per cigarette. Women lose 22 minutes with each cigarette, while men lose 17 minutes. The study suggests that quitting smoking is crucial to extending one’s life and health.
Smoking damages the body over time, and the sooner a person quits, the longer and healthier they will live. Researchers claim that every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life and that quitting can prevent loss of up to a full day of life within months.
The study found that if a smoker quits on January 1st, they could prevent loss of a full day of life by February 8th, extend their lives by a week by April, and live for a month longer than expected by August if successful.
Health officials emphasize the importance of quitting smoking, citing effective products and treatments to help. The NHS Quit Smoking app and online Personal Quit Plan offer advice and support for smokers looking to quit.
Public health minister Andrew Gwynne calls the findings “shocking” and emphasizes the need to address cigarette smoking as a leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/smoking-minutes-life-expectancy-cost-b2671401.html